HWR 2019

After a successful season, the regatta looked to be an exciting few days of racing. It certainly did not disappoint. Friday’s time trials saw all crews safely through to the heats later on that day. The majority of crews went onto compete in Saturday’s quarter-finals. By Sunday, Agecroft still had four crews remaining, all raring to go for the semi-finals.

The crew took on Mortlake AA in their heat. With a speedy start, “punchy” style and win at Wallingford Regatta, commentators were quick to highlight the boat as one to watch. Saturday’s quarter-final saw them take on Thames RC (C) - another convincing win. Sunday’s semi-final against City of Bristol (A) was going to be tough. Unfortunately the crew could not match Bristol’s speed and their regatta ended here.

A 1x: J Parsons

Jordan easily beat Trafford RC in her heat, and then cruised through her quarter-final against the sculler from Wadham College. On Sunday, she was knocked out by Grosvenor RC, who went onto win the event.

A 1x: E. Barrellon-Kendall

A good performance in the time trials saw Eva through to the heats later on that day. Her opponent from Walbrook RC put in a strong row to win the heat and Eva would not advance to the quarter-final.

C 1x: G Dooley

Having won at the junior level last year, this year would see Georgina race in the championship category. After qualifying in the time trial, it was going to be tough racing from here on. A brave approach to the first half of her heat caught up with her and the American Sculler representing Fairmount RA pipped her to the line. She would not progress to Saturday’s racing.

AC 4-: H. Bracey, C. Grandfield, E. Sadler-Andrews, G. Miller

The crew sailed past Grosvenor RC in their heat and into Saturday’s quarter-finals. They successfully took on Worcester RC in a tight race to the finish, progressing to the semi-final. Here they faced Tideway Scullers School (A), narrowly losing out. The TSS crew went onto win the category.

D 4+: M. Arbuthnot, Z. Coates, S. Rodgers, R. Thomson, [Cox] C. Armit

Having won this event the previous year, Agecroft were keen to see if they could repeat its success. It was clear from the time trials that the quality of boats entered had stepped on from its inaugural year. After falling behind a little off the start of their heat, the crew easily rowed through Bristol University to secure their place in the quarter-finals against Molesey BC. The crew beat Molesey, progressing to the semi-finals on Sunday where they would face Dundee University. Dundee had a strong row and would progress to the final, ending the boat’s campaign to retain the trophy.

​Aside from being an overwhelmingly enjoyable experience, the regatta has demonstrated the depth of the women’s squad this year, with more boats than ever reaching the semi-finals. For some of the squad it was their first time racing at Henley. All squad members should be incredibly proud of their achievements this season. Make no doubt, Agecroft will be carrying this momentum into the next season. Massive thank you to our volunteer coaches David Cooke and Dorota Turowicz without whom our season could not have been so successful.